Frankenstein’s Life Lessons

I recently read Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. It is not one of my favourite books, but it definitely is noteworthy to some extent. For one, I think that apart from the Bible, it is the oldest piece of writing I have ever read.

For another, I now know that Frankenstein is not the name of the Monster, but of the scientist who created the monster (although some might argue that the scientist is the real monster).

The following struck me:

The complete quote is as follows:

“If the study to which you apply yourself has a tendency to weaken your affections and to destroy your taste for those simple pleasures in which no alloy can possibly mix, then that study is certainly unlawful, that is to say, not befitting the human mind.”

We often allow our dreams and aspirations to alienate us from society. Sure, intelligent people sometimes feel that society doesn’t want them around, but that’s what EQ is for. I know I have sometimes holed up at my desk or in my room, content with my research or my books or my plans to save the world.

But you simply can’t have perspective without some socialising. This is especially true for medical students, I think. It’s tough to get out there when you work from dawn to dusk. It’s not so easy to just “get out there”. But it’s importance is worth remembering.